27-February-2015

Spanish Masters in Amsterdam

The ‘Spanish Masters from the Hermitage. The world of El Greco, Ribera, Zurbarán, Velázquez, Murillo & Goya’ exhibition can be admired in the Hermitage until 29 May. This exhibition draws attention to the broader context of painting in the Spanish Golden Century (second half of the sixteenth and the seventeenth century) and the echoes and continuation in subsequent centuries.

Spanish masterpieces were created during the reign of Philip II, the absolute monarch of a colonial empire who enforced strict rules for Catholic paintings. The period that followed was dominated by artists including Francisco de Zurbáran, also known as the Spanish Caravaggio.

A great many aspects of Spanish history are highlighted in this collection, such as the horrors of Napoleon’s conquest in 1808, bullfighting and Mediterranean pub life. The variation of the exhibition is also expressed in the alternation of Spanish painting styles: Baroque, Rococo, dramatic realism and spiritual minimalism.

Some of the newest 4d techniques have been used to make this sea journey in The National Maritime Museum very realistic. There are bombs, pirates and a lot of Dutch bravery. Not for the faint of heart!

The magnificent Portugese Synagogue is one of the very few seventeenth century buildings in Amsterdam of which the interior is still completely intact. Try visiting it at night during concerts or special services when it’s lit with thousand candles.

Not only are the Dutch known for their contemporary design, they are also masters of modern choreography. So forget about the Russian classics and experience cutting edge design, lighting and dance come together at the National Ballet. Breathtaking in many ways.

At the eastern edge of the Plantage you’ll find Amsterdam’s most diverse market. Open most days, always a bargain to score and many ethnic snacks to feast on. Our favourite: the Turkish pizza at the corner of the Mauritskade.